ROUND THE COUNCILS LICHFIELD:
NEW SIGNAGE BOOSTS PASSENGER SAFETY
Lichfield DC is introducing new, distinctive plates and signage for all licensed taxis and PHVs to improve passenger safety and make it easier for the public to provide feedback. The new system, which will be implemented across the district’s 114 licensed vehicles and 131 drivers by April 1, 2026, includes new plates for the rear, front, and sides of vehicles. Hackney carriages will also have council-set fares clearly displayed in the inside rear window. All vehicles will now feature contact information for the council - including an email address, phone number, and a QR code - so passengers can easily share feedback or report concerns. Drivers will also be issued new identification badges that must be worn at all times. Both the plates and badges feature built-in security measures to prevent counterfeiting. Councillor Brian Yeates, Chair of the Regulatory & Licensing Committee, highlighted the importance of the new measures. He said: “These changes are about making it easier for passengers to recognise licensed taxis, feel confident in their journey, and know how to get in touch with us if needed - while also supporting our local taxi trade.”
DUNDEE: SUSPENSIONS FOR DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS
Dundee taxi drivers are being warned that they could have their licences suspended or revoked if they fail to adhere to a strict dress code. A recent email sent to drivers on Monday, August 25, reminded them they must present a "professional image" at all times, cracking down on concerns that some have been working in "football attire," shorts, and tracksuits. The new enforcement, which references Section 21 of the licensing rules, prohibits drivers from wearing casual items such as T-shirts, shorts, tracksuits, training shoes, baseball caps, and denim shirts/jeans. Instead, the council mandates that drivers wear a dress, a collared shirt or blouse, a polo shirt, dress-type skirts or trousers, and dress shoes, boots, or dress sandals. The move has been welcomed by some drivers. One driver told The Courier: “It’s poor that drivers think it’s
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acceptable to be dressed like this when operating a taxi...I’ve seen drivers in baseball caps and tracksuit bottoms. “I’m pleased efforts are being made to address the issue.” Drivers anticipate that rank inspections will begin in the coming weeks to enforce the new standards. A spokesman for Dundee City Council encourages anyone with concerns about a driver’s attire to report them directly to the licensing board.
ANGUS: SHOCK FIGURES SHOW ONLY NINE WAVs
A long-delayed consultants’ report has revealed a severe shortage of WAV taxis in Angus, with only nine such vehicles operating across the entire area. This figure represents under 7% of the district’s taxi fleet, falling significantly short of the Scottish Government’s 20% target and starkly contrasting with Dundee’s 40% accessibility rate. The report, commissioned in 2020 and delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and staff shortages, highlights major issues for the area’s estimated 2,000 to 3,500 wheelchair users. A study of 56 people found that 89% believed WAV availability was poor, and eight out of ten reported frequent booking difficulties. Some towns, including Arbroath and Montrose, have no WAV taxis at all. Taxi operators cited high vehicle costs and low perceived demand as reasons for the shortage, suggesting little scope for major change without external support. The consultants’ report, from The TAS Partnership, recommends a “national-level financial intervention” to help Angus meet accessibility targets, as the local taxi trade “does not have the economic scale to achieve accessibility targets without support.” The report was delivered to the council in July and it showed 85 taxis and 55 PHVs in Angus. There are four WAV taxis and five WAV PHVs which equates to just 6.4% of all cabs. In contrast, the percentages for neighbouring council areas are: l Perth and Kinross 19.5% (65 WAVs) l Stirling 8.4% (24 WAVs) l Fife 8.2% (66 WAVs) l Dundee 40% (197 WAVs) The findings were considered by councillors on Thursday, August 14, with a recommendation to form a working group to develop an action plan by early 2026.
SEPTEMBER 2025 PHTM
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